Plano ISD student has confirmed case of measles

PLANO, Texas - Parents are being notified about a confirmed case of measles at a North Texas school.

Plano ISD said a student at Schell Elementary School in Richardson had the disease. The student may have contracted it while out of the country.

Administrators are currently identifying those most at risk, but the district said anyone at the school on Jan. 5 may have been exposed.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and eye redness.

The district encouraged those who were exposed, even if vaccinated, to monitor themselves and see a doctor if they notice symptoms.

The student was not vaccinated and the head of Dallas County Health and Human Services called that ridiculous.

"Your child is not living in a cocoon. They are not living by themselves. They have to go to the store. They have to go to other recreational activities and they are gonna pass this particular virus on to other kids. And that's going to impact other families," Zachary Thompson said.

The Collin County Health Department told The Morning News that the student has since recovered and returned to school.